Out-of-school care could end for hundreds of children

Aberdeenshire Council has proposed stopping all of its out-of-school care provision from early July.

Fifteen of Aberdeenshire's 146 primary schools provide the service, which is used by a total of 350 children.

The authority has blamed a fall in demand as well staffing and budget pressures for the situation. It faces a potential overspend of almost £700,000.

Opponents to the plan said it was a "colossal blow to working families".

SNP councillor Louise McAllister said: "I think it's really going to penalise families."

Aberdeenshire Council's education committee will consider the proposals on Thursday.

A report to the meeting said each child was subsidised by more than £1,400.